We know about the issues Facebook, Amazon, and Google have, and yet many of us continue to use them because we can’t get away even if we want to. And to quote one of my favorite video games, “A side must always be taken, even if it is the wrong side.”Īdmittedly, it’s hard to separate yourself from toxic companies because it’s such a systemic problem, and toxic companies have worked hard to integrate themselves into every aspect of our lives. And though I think he might have had the best of intentions, he fell short because he refused to pick a side. Geoff admitted that trying to figure out what to do is a tricky thing to navigate. They hurt women, people of color, and those in the queer community, the very people Geoff was so eager to listen to and the very people he invited to his show. These companies have hurt their employees and hurt those that dare speak out on it. Quantic Dream debuted the concept trailer for their new game, Star Wars Eclipse, and while Activision didn’t have anything debut they were up for awards.
And then, those perpetrators that Geoff so proudly said wouldn’t be tolerated had either world premiers or nominations at The Game Awards, namely Activison and Quantic Dream. The perpetrators of such acts went unnamed. But, I was brought crashing back down to earth during the first few minutes of the show as Geoff attempted to decry harmful and dangerous practices in the industry. I was taken aback by all the glitz and glamour as I walked through the double doors of the Microsoft Theater in LA. It’s also my hope that I’m right about him, and he takes this message to heart.Įveryone who got an invite to the Zoom calls got an invite to this year’s show. I’m more saying all this because it’s my hope that he reads this article like he read my other a year ago. He has hundreds, if not thousands of fans who would be more than willing to do so. If Geoff really was the money-hungry monger some of us think him to be, then I believe he would’ve used this as a giant PR stunt, and yet he wanted it to be for the fans.
He was willing to give a bunch of strangers an opportunity they may not have otherwise had. He was patient, kind, listened as we voiced concerns about people of color, women’s rights, and queer visibility in the industry. Though I don’t know Geoff all that well, I can say the person I met during those conference calls was very far from the greedy, fame-seeking, money-hungry monster some people believe him to be. There’s this idea out there of Geoff Keighley being greedy and only out to make money and increase his influence in this industry. But now, thanks to those calls, that person knows my name (if they remember me). I got life-changing advice from a man that I’ve admired for a long time but thought I’d never be able to speak to. During each Zoom call, we were all allowed to ask questions, listen, and talk to people who have been in the industry for years. The point of this conference call was to discuss The Game Awards and each conference would have a special guest along with Geoff Keighley himself hosting.
It was an invite to a Zoom conference call. So, needless to say, I had to scramble to be able to go.īut how did I, a video game journalist you’ve likely never heard of, get an invite? Well, that’s a story unto itself.īack in 2020 I wrote an article and sent it to someone I admire, Geoff Keighley. It was so surreal that even weeks later I still can’t believe it, especially because I live in Chicago and found out I was invited only a week before the show. I got to sit next to and be around celebrities and people whom I’ve admired for many years. Just a couple of weeks ago I got to attend The Game Awards 2021, which was super exciting because it was by invite only this year.